Opposition Leaders Decry President's Parliament Address as 'Recycled Ritual' Without Substance
The Opposition on Wednesday launched a scathing critique of President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of Parliament, labeling the speech as "recycled" and lacking in both truth and accountability. This criticism emerged on the first day of the Budget Session, setting a contentious tone for the parliamentary proceedings.
Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge's Strong Rebuke
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge led the charge, stating, "Every year, the Union Cabinet clears the President's address like a recycled ritual, reusing the same set of claims without truth or accountability." He elaborated that while the government loudly repeats the slogan of "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India), it fails to provide clear goals, timelines, or measurable outcomes to back up its rhetoric.
Kharge further accused the Modi government of hypocrisy, saying, "While making lofty speeches on 'development', the anti-poor, pro-crony Modi government has mercilessly dismantled MGNREGA... snatching away the only source of livelihood for crores of workers." This pointed remark highlights the Opposition's focus on economic disparities and employment issues.
Other Opposition Voices Join the Criticism
TMC deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Sagarika Ghose, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the President's address "only confirms what the Opposition has been saying – the Modi government lives in deep denial." She emphasized the need for introspection amid rising income inequalities and a falling rupee, rather than what she described as a self-promoting drumbeat.
SP MP Rajeev Rai added to the critique by claiming that the address skipped all important issues and was devoid of facts. He questioned, "If 25 crore people are being lifted from poverty, then why are 80 crore people being given ration?" This rhetorical question underscores the Opposition's skepticism about the government's claims on poverty alleviation.
Context of the President's Address
President Droupadi Murmu's speech highlighted the government's agenda, focusing on:
- Big-ticket economic reforms
- Rural employment initiatives
- National security measures
- Social welfare programs
She also invoked civilisational icons and regional pride in her address, which comes months before key state elections, adding a political dimension to the proceedings. However, the Opposition's response indicates a deep-seated dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a lack of substantive content and accountability in the government's narrative.
The criticism from various Opposition parties suggests a unified front in challenging the government's policies and rhetoric, setting the stage for heated debates in the upcoming parliamentary sessions.
